Panther 324
157 matches [1993-2001]
128 points [31 tries, 2 goals]
Stats: themightypanthers.com/players_adamson-matt.htm
Taree junior who had debuted at Parramatta in 1991 before joining the Panthers in 1993 with his older brother Phil.
He initially started out as a lanky fullback and winger, who then shifted to the forwards in 1996. Adamson’s form during the Super League season of 1997 saw him selected for both New South Wales and Australia.
At the turn of the century, his form saw him good enough to warrant possible selection for the 2000 World Cup squad (where he missed selection), but would play in 2 matches for New South Wales during the 2001 State of Origin series.
However, he was increasingly showing signs of frustration at the Panthers, at one stage publicly criticising coach Royce Simmons. Both would leave at the end of the season, with Adamson signing with English Super League club Leeds.
He would return to Australia for one season with Canberra in 2005 before retiring.
Adamson would return to Penrith in 2007 as an assistant to new coach Matt Elliott, and amidst the club’s injury crisis that season had registered a contract with the NRL to make a playing return if required – it would never eventuate.
He was sacked at the end of the 2008 season, and has since continued his career in coaching as well as being in the media.
The Mighty Panthers 